Mammograms: What 'abnormal' means
Regular mammograms help detect breast cancer in its early stages. The BC Cancer Agency is now holding a mobile mammogram screening clinic in North Delta at the Sungod Arena until July 11. Call 604-877-6187 to book an appointment.
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Medical experts recommend that by age 50, women should be having regular screening mammograms to help find breast cancer early, usually before it has spread.
According to the BC Cancer Agency’s Screening Mammography Program, about 90 per cent of women who have regular screening mammograms will have normal results. However, women should know what it means when there is an abnormal result.
An abnormal result does not mean you have breast cancer. In fact, out of every 1,000 women who have a screening mammogram, about 70 may have abnormal results and will need further testing to reach a diagnosis.
Of the 70 women who receive further testing, about four women may be found to have breast cancer. More importantly, three of the four women will usually be in an early stage of cancer when there are more treatment options and a likely return to full health.
When radiologists view breast X-rays and see shadows or spots, they send out an abnormal result letter and you are called back for further testing. Some of the more common reasons for shadows or spots are:
• Cysts – are almost always non-cancerous (benign) and many women have them.
• A mass – can be many things including cysts and fibroids, which may or may not be benign.
• Calcifications – often show up in breast tissue; they may or may not be benign.
Radiologists have a better chance of detecting small breast changes when there are previous X-rays to be compared against, which is why regular mammograms, usually once every two years, are so important.
The BC Cancer Agency’s mobile service will be providing free screening mammograms for women ages 40-79 at the North Delta Sungod Arena from July 4 to 11. To book an appointment, call 604-877-6187 or 1-800-662-9203.
newsroom@surreyleader.com
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